1. Study the Course Map
2. Set Out Your Clothes and GearLaying out your race outfit the night before is helpful before any run, but especially the evening before your big race. It's a good way to make sure you don't forget something because you're nervous on race morning. There's nothing worse than reaching the starting line without your hat, money, gels, or bib. If you picked up your race packet early, go ahead and pin your bib to your shirt. That's one less thing to think about. Pack a shirt or jacket to wear after the race. Bring extra socks or sandals to make your feet dry and happy after 13 miles. 3. Get to the Starting Line EarlyThe best advice I have about the starting line is to get there early. Arrive with plenty of time so you can visit the restrooms, get a feel for the area, and seed yourself properly. If you're late, things happen that mess with your race and your head. For example:
Even when you're seeded in the right spot, some races have crowded, claustrophobic starting corrals. Try to stay calm and run your planned pace. The crowd will thin in the first mile, and you'll have room to run. 4. Start Slow and Run Your Own RaceI'll repeat that headline because it's really important. Start slow and run your own race. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement as the race begins and run too fast. Your heart is pumping, you're ready to run, and everyone is racing. But wait just a minute. You're running 13.1 miles. Start slow so you can go the distance. If it's your first half marathon the goal is to finish. Period. Finishing is winning! Run your own race means exactly that — run the race your body can run. Run the race you trained for and will enjoy. You'll be happy when you reach mile 13 and till have energy left to kick in your finish! 5. Hydrate and Fuel on a Schedule
Energy Gels and Chews Check to see what gels or chews will be offered. If you've used the brand before, then use it on course. If you haven't, carry your own fuel and use that. Go ahead and take the fuel offered during the race, but save it to try later. If you've never trained with gels or chews, don't try them for the first time during a race. It may or may not upset your stomach, but why risk it? As with hydration, make a plan for fuel intake. Some people fuel based on mileage, others base it on time. The trick is to fuel regularly, even when you don't feel like it. Like hydration, you want to anticipate your needs, not play catch up. 6. In-Race StrategiesDivide the Race into Smaller Parts Don't think about the finish line or 13 miles when you start. Break the race into smaller segments. Then celebrate when you reach each individual goal. I hear runners at every half announcing "A third of the way done!" or "We're halfway there!" or, "Just 3 more miles!" It's a boost to acknowledge each accomplishment. Pick a Pacer If the race has official pacers, use them. They're experienced runners who help you stay on pace. I've run with some excellent pacers. The best ones are coaches who give you tips and distract you with conversation. If you're not ready to run in a pack with a pacer, find your own unofficial pacer. As you're running, look for someone ahead of you who matches your pace. Think of them as your pacer, and stick with them. Choose a runner who looks strong and steady. If you're lucky you'll follow them all the way to the finish line. (Maybe even kick past them at the end!) If your unofficial pacer gets tired and slows down, find someone else. Play Pass and Repeat Spot a runner ahead of you who you want to pass. Tell yourself, "I can take them." You want to keep your pace, but motivate yourself, too. I like this strategy late in the race when I need a distraction. I've used it many times by telling myself things like: "I will not be beaten by someone dressed like a cartoon," or "No way is that 8-year old going to beat me," or "I can take that guy dressed as Gumby." In fact, I was beaten by a 5-year old once, but this strategy worked great when I beat two runners dressed as "Fast Food." Give it a try!  Photo: Capitol 10K History. http://cap10k.com/10k-history/ 7. Smile, Enjoy and Celebrate Your RaceTake a look around as you run. You'll see things running at street level that you'd never notice otherwise. Take in the views. Smile at the spectators. Read all the signs. Talk to other runners. High five small children. Wave to the officers keeping the course safe. Focus on your music. If you're energy dips, take a walk break. Catch your breath, straighten your shoulders, smile, and start running again. The race will be a memory before you know it. Try to enjoy the entire experience. Celebrate Your Finish! Cross that finish line like you mean it. Dig deep for that last bit of energy and kick it in! Grin. Jump. Pump a fist. Give a high five. Do a happy dance.
Get your new bling and wear it with pride. Take a photo. Enjoy a post race banana and beer. Congratulations, you're a half-marathoner! #RunSarasota #RunStPete #RunTampa #BibChat #BibRavePro #AthlinksBR #HalfMarathon #RaceTips #HalfMarathonTips #RaceDayAdvice #ThisOldRunner
Discount Code for March 18th Races in SarasotaWoo hoo! The discount code now works for the new 10K event! Everyone who runs in the First Watch Sarasota Half or Relay or 10K event will receive this beautiful bling when they cross the finish line! Plus you can SAVe $10 on the Half or Relay, and $5 on the 10K when you use code: SARASOTABIB18. Don't wait, this race sells out every year. The code is good until online registration closes. See you at the starting line!  Disclaimer: I received a First Watch Sarasota Half entry as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews! #RunSarasota #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunBradenton #RunFlorida #FloridaWestCoast #HalfMarathon #Relay #10K #BibRavePro #BibChat #ad #DiscountCode #RaceCode #PromoCode
 Get ready to register! Blitz pricing starts at NOON EST Wednesday, March 7th for the Safety Harbor 2019 race series! The #BestDamnRace series returns to Safety Harbor next February 2, 2019. 5K starts at $15 10K starts at $20 Half starts at $40 Challenge starts at $60 Register: http://safetyharbor.bestdamnrace.com/register/ #BDRSafetyHarbor #BibChat #BDR #earthathon #bibravepro #runsarasota#runstpete #runtampa #runsafetyharbor #runbradenton #Earthathon #ThisOldRunner #BDRAmbassador #ad Biggest Finisher Medal on Florida's West CoastJust 11 days until it's time to join me at the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay on March 18th! If you don't want to run a half or relay, you can register for the NEW 10K distance! Every finisher receives a medal, and the most decadent post-race breakfast brunch courtesy of First Watch. We went to the #Skyway10K expo at Tropicana Field on Saturday, and got another up close and personal look at the #RunSarasota medal we'll be bringing home in less than two weeks! Check out the medal and a couple of expo pics below.
Use Code SARASOTABIB18 to SAVE $10 on the Half or Relay; $5 on the 10KUse the discount code: SARASOTABIB18 to SAVE $10 on the half or relay. You can also use the code to SAVE $5 on the 10K distance. Woo Hoo! Everybody saves! Disclaimer: I received a First Watch Sarasota Half entry as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews! #BibChat #RunSarasota #SarasotaHalf #BibRavePro #RaceCode #DiscountCodes #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunNaples #RunBradenton #RunTampaBay #RunFlorida #SpringBreakRace #Skyway10K #TropicanaField #RaceExpo #RaceAmbassador #ad
Packet Pick Up Starts Today!
Registration is still open but spots are filling quickly!
Pick up your race packet at Go Run Running Store Kendall Thursday from 12-7 PM. Be one of the first 1,000 to pick up and receive a S+ SleepScore Labs sleep tracking device! Additional locations for packet pickup: 3/2 IRun Company 12-7 PM 3/3 Nike Miami Beach (Lincoln Rd) 12-7PM Claim your space at the #Run305 before it reaches capacity. www.305HalfMarathon.com #RunMIA 
Check Out the #305 Half Marathon Video
Run like a local on March 4, 2018 at the NEW 305 Half Marathon & 5K!
You'll get an insider's look at all things Miami Beach and Miami while running on a fast, coastal course. Beautiful views and vibes!
#Run305 #305Half #305Miami #RunMiami #Athlinks #BibChat #BibRavePro #RunStPete #RunSarasota #RunTampa #RunNaples #RunBradenton #RunFlorida #SpringBreakRaces #SpringBreakHalf #FloridaHalf #RaceAmbassador #ad
Saw these beauties in person at the #GasparillaDistanceClassic Expo today! If you want to run in sunny Florida during March, here are two excellent races.  1. First Watch Sarasota Half and Relay March 18, 2018. Use SARASOTABIB18 to SAVE $10 on the Half or Relay. BTW, they just added a 10K race! 10K finishers also receive this sparkly dolphin medal!  2. 305 Miami Half & 5K HURRY! This #RunMiami event is on March 4, 2018. Use BIBRAVEMB18 to SAVE $5 on the Half or 5K races. #Run305 #RunMIA #RunMiami This one is interesting because you get one digit each of 3 years. Run this year for the 3, next year the 0, and the third year the 5. It's a 3-peat #Run305 medal when you're done! #RunSarasota #RunMiami #RaceCode #DiscountCodes #PromoCodes #BibRavePro #BibChat #305Half #Run305 #RunTampa #RunStPete #RunMiamiBeach #RaceAmbassador #ad
Save $8 on the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K or 5K with my Code: "GASPKaren18" during the ExpoSome of the best race registration deals are found during an expo. That's the case this weekend for runners who want to run the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K or 5K in Tampa on December 16, 2018. 
This Code is Only Good at the GDC ExpoVisit the Hot Chocolate 15K Booth during the Gasparilla Distance Classic Expo, and use my special code: GASPKaren18 to SAVE $8 on your registration! Current prices for the 2018 Tampa Hot Chocolate Races:
Gasparilla Distance Classic DetailsThe expo is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, so there's no reason not to stop buy! There will be over 100 health and wellness professionals at the expo. Lots of local running groups, races and sports stores will be in attendance offering great deals. You'll find products, activities, samples, and race information.
Friday, February 23rd: 10 am to 8 pm Saturday, February 24th: 6 am to 5 pm Tampa Convention Center, East Hall 333 S. Franklin Street Tampa, FL 33602 Is There a Code If You Can't Go to the Expo?There sure is! If you can't get to the Gasparilla Expo, use my regular code for extra swag in your bag! Enter code TAMPAKAREN18 when you register and you'll receive a bonus item at packet pickup. The SWAG hasn't been announced yet, but it will be an awesome piece of Hot Chocolate gear! See you at the expo — or the starting line on December 16th! #GDC #GasparillaDistanceClassic #GasparillaHalf #Gasparilla15K #Gasparilla5K #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunStPete #RunBradenton #RunTampaBay #RunNaples #RunClearwater #RunFlorida #HC15K #HC5K #HC15KTampa #DiscountCode #RaceCode #PromoCode #RaceDiscount #GASPKaren18
My Hill Repeat Workouts are on RepeatThis week I'm doing hill repeats, and then repeating my hill repeats later in the week. Why? I'm determined to be ready for the John Ringling Causeway Bridge. I want to take in the views of Sarasota and the bay as I climb and descend the Ringling Bridge on pace. Sarasota First Watch ShirtsI really like the bright green shirts this year. I love a shirt that makes me visible when I'm running around town. The design is cool — each letter in Sarasota showcases something wonderful about the city. Dolphins, beaches, museums, gardens, runners, and all the views! If you're looking for a Spring Break race in Florida, consider registering for the First Watch Sarasota Half and Relay on the West Coast of Florida on March 18, 2018. You can run the half, or team up with a friend and run a relay. Please use my code: SARASOTABIB18 to save yourself $10 on either race.  Here's the Rest of the Runner SWAG:Need more reasons to #RunSarasota? Here you go:
See You at the Starting Line!Disclaimer: I received a First Watch Half entry as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews! #RunSarasota #Athlinks #BibRavePro #BibChat #RunStPete #RunBradenton #RunTampa #RunNaples #RunFortMyers #DiscountCode #RaceCode #PromoCode #SarasotaHalfMarathon #FirstWatch #SpringBreakRaces #SpringBreakHalf #SpringBreak
Have You Heard About the 400 Meter Dash at Mile 3.05 of the Miami Beach Half Marathon?If you've been training for the #305Miami Half, get ready for your next challenge! There's a 400-meter speed challenge beginning at mile 3.05. (Whaaat?) Just about the time you need a distraction — Boom. There's a race inside the race! It's Called the 305 Drive Ignited by AthlinksAthlinks and RunMiami teamed up for this extra competition. It's called "305 Drive Ignited by Athlinks" and the top males and females in EACH AGE GROUP who clock the fastest 400-meter get a prize. (Note: If you place in the top 3 in your age group in the overall 305 Half Marathon, you won't get a 305 Drive prize.) I love this idea. I think this is the kind of motivation that helps runners stay focused during a long race. We've all been there — your mind wanders and you realize you're off pace. The 305 Drive will cure that, as will the on-course music!  (Photo credit: 305Half and Athlinks.) Save $5 with Race Code "BIBRAVEMB18"Get in on the sunny fun, and save some money. Don't forget to use code: BIBRAVEMB18 when you register to #RunMiami on March 3. "Do It Like a Local"The half marathon is on Sunday, March 3 in beautiful Miami Beach. You'll enjoy a scenic route that takes you around Miami Beach and downtown Miami. You'll see Miami like a local. The post race party has lots of local flavor, too!
 #Run305 #305Miami #305Half #Athlinks #RunMIA #RunMiami #RunFtLauderdale #RunFlorida #BibChat #BibRavePro #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RaceDiscount #RaceCode #PromoCode #ThisOldRunner
Save $5 on Best Damn RacesIf you want to run in the Best Damn Race in Orlando on March 3, or the Best Damn Race in New Orleans on March 25 register before the discount codes expire.
#BestDamnRace NOLA Medals Glow in the Dark
That's right THEY GLOW IN THE DARK! 'cause don't you just hate it when you wear your bling at night and no one can see it!?! Register Before the Discount Codes Expire!#RunOrlando #RunNewOrleans #RunNOLA #RunORL #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #Athlinks #BibChat #BibRavePro #RaceCode #PromoCode #DiscountCode #RaceDiscount #ThisOldRunner #BestDamnRace #BDR #GlowInTheDarkMedals #SugarSkull #NewOrleans #Orlando #RunFlorida
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Hey there,This is where you'll find me writing instead of running. (But, you know I'll be writing about running, right?) 
Yep, smiling's my favorite.
Another happy finish line!
Click the logo to save money on your favorite races and gear. #BibRavePro
Get FREE extra swag in your pickup bag when you use my code: TAMPAKAREN18! The race returns to #Tampa for a 3rd year on December 16, 2018. #HC15K #WillRunForChocolate
Safety Harbor - 2.2.19; Orlando - 3.2.19; New Orleans - 3/24/19; Other dates to come. #BDR #BestDamnRace #SafetyHarbor #BDRJax #BDRNola #BDRSav #BDRSafetyHarbor
Upcoming Races:April 21, 2018
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